InterNations Event Experience

Hello,
This past weekend I made my way down to Riyadh to visit friends and do fun things (shopping, dining etc)! I also attended my very first InterNations event with a friend. The event was held at Bonita Village Compound (visit) which is located on the outskirts of the city. It was quite the distance from the city centre and the taxi ride out there was lengthy. The compound is a new development and is pretty much deserted. With something like only 3 families and 15 bachelors currently residing in the entire compound.

Bonita Village Compound is very pretty, nicely designed and has well kept grounds. It is fully equipped with a bowling alley, restaurant/cafe, mini market , CINEMA and pool. If you like to leisurely relax, then this is the place to be. The event cost 150sar/ticket; including access to all the features mentioned above. I also includes a dinner and evening dance party of sorts. It was held from 2pm to around 10pm or later.

The event was definitely not my scene. The akward vibe often felt at junior high dances was the exact feeling I would describe. Thankfully I was accompanying a friend, but I couldn’t imagine going to it myself. The event location was so far that by the time we got there, I wanted to leave. Also, the included dinner was never seen, we left at 7pm. After happily watching a movie in the cinema I felt that there was nothing more to do. I did meet a few people that were nice and that I might see again. But meeting people in such inorganic settings is very uncomfortable for me. Anyhow, it was an experience none the less and at least I can say it has been done.

I won’t rule out expat events all together, but I’m keeping skeptical and hesitant for a while.